Gucci Swears To Go Fur-Free!

Four months ago, luxury fashion retailer Net-A-Porter denounced the usage of fur along with its co-companies Yoox, The Outnet, and Mr. Porter. Given the online fashion giant’s influence and its billion-dollar luxury sales, it’s not perplexing that the rest of the fashion world is following suit.

Photo: businessoffashion.com

During the Kerin Talk 2017 at the London College of Fashion, Marco Bizzari–chief executive of Gucci–unveiled the Italian fashion house’s game-changing plan of officially going fur-free starting next year—just in time for Spring 2018. The change means that Gucci will no longer use coyote, raccoon, rabbit, mink, fox and all others species, specially bred or caught for fur. The remaining animal hair pieces from previous collections will be sold at an auction, with the proceeds going to animal rights organizations such as LAV (Lega Anti Vivisezione) and Humane Society International.

“Being socially responsible is one of Gucci’s core values, and we will continue to strive to do better for the environment and animals,” said Bizzari. The effort is a part of the brand’s commitment to sustainability and it’s spearheaded by none other than Gucci’s creative director, Alessandro Michele. “We’ve been talking about it, Alessandro and I, for a few months. Technology is now available that means you don’t need to use fur. The alternatives are luxurious. There is just no need.” the CEO shared with Vogue and explained how he immediately sensed that Michele shares the same values after meeting him in 2015, which is prior to his helm as creative director.

Photo: highsnobiety.com

In addition to halting sales and production of fur, Gucci will also become part of the Fur Free Alliance – a global group of organizations that campaign for animal welfare and promote alternatives to fur in the fashion industry.

Before this, fellow Italian luxury brand, Armani, has also pledged to stop using fur and now, Gucci follows its footsteps. This could very well be a catalyst for other fashion brands to join along in practicing sustainability and creating ethical fashion.